- XRP hit major milestones in 2025 but is down nearly 48% from its July peak.
- Macroeconomic uncertainty and October’s market crash stalled momentum.
- A broader market recovery in 2026 could help XRP revisit the $3 level.
Ripple’s XRP had a year few could have predicted. In 2025, the long-running legal battle with the SEC finally came to an end, clearing a major overhang that had weighed on the asset for years. That resolution helped propel XRP to a new all-time high of $3.65 in July, followed by the launch of multiple spot XRP ETFs. Momentum looked firmly bullish, until it wasn’t. A sharp market-wide crash in October flipped sentiment fast, dragging XRP down nearly 48% from its peak and leaving it consolidating near the $1.90 level heading into 2026.
Why XRP Lost Momentum After Its Peak
XRP last traded above $3 in October, during the same period Bitcoin surged to a fresh all-time high above $126,000. That rally, however, was followed by heavy outflows as investors de-risked after the move. XRP wasn’t immune. According to CoinGecko data, the token is slightly higher on the daily chart, up about 1.6%, but remains under pressure across longer timeframes. XRP is down 0.8% on the week, 5% over the past 14 days, nearly 13% on the month, and about 12.8% since December 2024.
Macro Pressure Still Dictates the Trend
Like much of the crypto market, XRP has been caught in the crossfire of macroeconomic uncertainty. October’s selloff triggered what many described as the largest liquidation event in crypto history, wiping out leverage and confidence in one sweep. Since then, the market has struggled to regain its footing. XRP’s price action continues to mirror broader market conditions, suggesting that any sustained recovery will likely depend on improving macro signals rather than project-specific news alone.
Early Signs of a Market Shift
There are, however, small signs that sentiment could be turning. Bitcoin briefly reclaimed the $90,000 level earlier today, Dec. 29, 2025, and reports indicate roughly $80 billion flowed into the crypto market within a seven-hour window. That surge in inflows has sparked speculation that a broader trend reversal may be forming. If capital continues to rotate back into risk assets, XRP could benefit alongside other large-cap tokens.
Rebound or Dead Cat Bounce?
Still, caution remains warranted. Short-term rebounds after extended selloffs can often turn into dead cat bounces, trapping overly optimistic traders. XRP may face another bout of volatility before a clearer direction emerges. For now, reclaiming the $3 level in 2026 remains possible, but it likely hinges on sustained macro improvement and continued market inflows rather than hype alone.
